Senior System Engineer Jobs in Novi, MI (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the development and integration of complex vehicle systems. This position focuses on applying aerospace-caliber systems engineering principles to automotive development and leveraging Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to improve quality, reliability, and efficiency.

What You'll Do

Lead the development and maintenance of comprehensive system models using SysML (MagicDraw), including boundary diagrams, Use Case Diagrams, Behavior Diagrams, and detailed component interactions.

Define, decompose, and cascade realistic functional requirements from the vehicle level down to hardware/software subsystem stakeholders, ensuring traceability and compliance with regulatory and safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262). Lead formal technical trade‐off discussions and decision matrices within Systems Engineering Reviews to optimize solutions across cost, weight, performance, and manufacturability objectives. Develop and use Tradespaces, utility curves, and Design Structure Matrices.

Develop mathematical and analytical models for electromechanical systems (using free body diagrams, MATLAB, and Simulink) to conduct Model‐in‐the‐Loop (MiL), Hardware‐in‐the‐Loop (HiL), and Requirements‐in‐the‐Loop (RiL) analyses. Drive the development of robust Model‐Based Failure Mode Analyses (MBFMA) including P‐diagrams, DFMEAs, and Fault Tree Analyses. Utilize Large Language Models and AI assistants to enhance the speed, accuracy, and depth of failure‐mode identification.

Ensure robust verification and validation (V&V) processes, secure necessary sign‐offs and minimize failure risks to guarantee part reliability under all operational conditions. Act as the primary engineering authority for cross‐functional design and integration issues, applying advanced statistical methods and formal root‐cause analysis frameworks (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, 3L5Y) to resolve systemic issues.

Drive alignment across design, manufacturing, electrical, and purchasing teams, translating stakeholder constraints into clear, measurable system requirements.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. 7+ years of proven experience in systems engineering, architecture development, or complex systems integration (automotive, aerospace, or defense industries preferred). Demonstrated expertise in Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and hands‐on experience with SysML and modeling tools (e.g., MagicDraw, Dassault3DX, CatiaV6). Strong proficiency in analytical modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB, Simulink, LABVIEW, SIMSOLID). Deep understanding of the Systems Engineering V‐model, requirements derivation, and structured engineering processes.

Expertise in formal problem‐solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, 3L5Y) and statistical analysis. Exceptional analytical thinking, emotional resilience, and the ability to negotiate and drive cross‐functional trade‐offs.

Master's degree in Systems Engineering or related field (preferred). INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional Certification (ASEP/CSEP) or OMG SysML Certification (preferred). Experience with functional safety standards (ISO26262, ARP4754, or DO-178C) (preferred). Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification (preferred). Proven experience transitioning traditional document‐based engineering processes into an industrialized, model‐based environment (preferred). Familiarity with Ford‐specific engineering tools and processes (TCe/FEDE, CAE/IPS, JIRA) (preferred).

Additional Benefits

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage. Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp‐up programs, subsidized back‐up child care. Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments. Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases. Tuition assistance. Established and active employee resource groups. Paid time off for community service. Generous paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Paid vacation time and option to purchase additional vacation time.

Compensation

Salary grade5: $68,300–$114,800 Salary grade6: $85,400–$143,200 Salary grade7: $99,600–$166,600 Salary grade8: $115,000–$192,900 Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience. Eligibility Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; verification of employment eligibility will be required. Ford is an equal‐opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or protected veteran status.